Portable gaming and entertainment system

ABSTRACT

A portable gaming and entertainment system (or “environment”) for use with a game console and related components that allows the user thereof to easily, safely and conveniently transport the system. The system comprises a case having a lid pivotally attached to a base. One or more custom inserts are provided to securely receive the game console therein. The custom inserts permit the system to be usable with a variety of supported game consoles. The lid includes a monitor and speakers, and is operative to be opened and maintained at a position to provide a desirable viewing angle for a user. The lid closes against the base to enclose the game console and other related components so that the user may easily transport and/or store the system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/132,012, filed on Apr. 18, 2016, whichapplication claims priority to and is a continuation of U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/902,673, filed on May 24, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,333,423,which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/985,279, filedJan. 5, 2011, now abandoned, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

The field of present invention relates generally to the field of customportable gaming and entertainment environments. In particular, thepresent invention relates to a gaming and entertainment system that isconfigured with an audio output, high definition display, and a videogaming console and storage.

Related Art

The following description includes information that may be useful inunderstanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any ofthe information provided herein is prior art or relevant to thepresently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically orimplicitly referenced is prior art.

Many people enjoy playing games on and otherwise utilizing gaming andentertainment consoles, such as Microsoft's Xbox®, Sony's Play Station3®, Nintendo Wii®, and the like. Hereinafter, these and all relatedgaming and/or entertainment consoles are referred to as a “gamingconsole” or “game console.” As known, gaming consoles are configured toreceive a game or entertainment source, typically an optical disc (e.g.,a CD or DVD), Digital File Transfer, or Streamed Digital Content fromanother device, and allow the user to play and/or watch the game, movieor other entertainment material on the game console. Most game consolesare adapted to play specially configured games that take advantage ofthe visual and audio aspects of the particular game console. Inaddition, most game consoles are also configured to play standardmovies, music and other entertainment materials that are available onCDs, DVDs, Blue Ray® discs, Digital Content, and the like.

The most commonly utilized game consoles are also configured to allowthe user to connect to the Internet, a local area network (LAN), or widearea network (WAN) through a wired or wireless connection, directly orindirectly, so he or she may transmit and receive data, particularlygaming data, with other persons or websites. In one use, the personplaying a game on his or her game console can communicate with others,whether located nearby or in a different country, to play games with oragainst.

Game consoles are typically sold as a unit that includes the console,one or more game playing devices (commonly referred to as“controllers”), and various wires and cables that are needed to operatethe game console. Although required to utilize the game console and toplay games on and/or watch movies therewith, game consoles are generallynot sold with any video or audio playing devices. Instead, a personwanting to utilize the game console must connect it to a television,monitor, or other video device on which the game or movie will bedisplayed. This is also true for the audio portion of the game console;the person utilizing the game console must feed the audio signal throughthe video device, such as a television or monitor having speakersattached thereto, connect the game console to one or more externalspeakers (which is usually preferred by many persons who play games orwatch movies), or utilize another audio device to hear the audio portionof the game or movie.

Although having to provide and connect the game console to separatevideo and audio devices in order to utilize the game console may be seenas a disadvantage to some, most people who utilize game consoles prefersuch an arrangement so they can connect to video and audio devices oftheir own choosing, typically selecting the best quality of video andaudio devices he or she can afford. One limitation that results from nothaving video and audio devices fixedly associated with the game consoleis that playing games or watching movies on the game console requiresthe user to connect to available and appropriately configured video andaudio devices. This limits the portability of game consoles and sharplycontrasts their use with laptop and similar portable computing devices,which have a fixedly attached monitor and speakers.

As well known in the art, many people who play games on game consolesare very serious and competitive with their game play. These people arecommonly referred to as “gamers.” With regard to gamers, although theycan play games on the game consoles by themselves (i.e., competingagainst the game itself), most prefer to compete against other playerswhile the other players are playing the same game. One way to competeagainst other players is to play the game over the Internet with otherplayers at their own game consoles controlling their own game (butcompeting against the other player(s)). Another way to compete againstother players is for the gamers to physically get together in the sameroom and utilize the same game console and the same video and audiodevices connected to the jointly utilized multi-game consoleconfiguration. The advantage of playing games over the Internet or othernetwork is that each player has his or her own video and audio devices.

Game consoles also support multiple player sessions with a single gameconsole. To facilitate getting together for competitive play, virtuallyall game consoles have multiple connection ports for multiplecontrollers, which ports are configured to feed multiple input signalsinto the game, and the games playable on the game consoles areconfigured to allow information (e.g., object movement and othercontrol) from each of the multiple controllers. Game consoles may alsofacilitate joint play by multiple players in the same room by dividingthe visual display into multiple or split screens, one screen sectionfor each person, that allows each person to see and control his or herown game play. Most gamers, however, consider the use of split screensto have several important limitations, namely a much smaller visualdisplay of their play (because the screen is split) and the visualdistraction which results from having the other player's screensadjacent their own screen. The smaller visual display generally makes itmuch more difficult for the player to see the graphics provided by thegame, which are usually quite extensive and sophisticated (in fact,represent much of the value of the game console and games), andsubstantially reduces the player's enjoyment of the game.

Another problem with split screens is that they allow one player to seethe screens of his or her competitors, thereby allowing each player toview the movements or other action in a manner that reduces competitiveplay by eliminating the element of surprise or advantage of personalstrategy. The various limitations of presently available multiple playergame play with split screens could be avoided if each person brought hisor her own game console with their own video and audio devices (e.g., atelevision or monitor with speakers) to the location where the playersare getting together to play. This would require each person totransport their television, monitor or other video device to the gamelocation, connect their game console to the video device and setup thegame console (i.e., connect the controller and cables).

Generally, however, such requirements are impractical and, as a result,very rarely do players get together in this manner. In fact, mostserious gamers utilize video devices that are rather large, somewhatheavy and/or bulky and expensive, making their movement even moreimpractical. Even when sized such that they would be relatively easy tomove, generally there is no practical manner to move the video devicewith the game console in a manner that reduces the likelihood ofdamaging the video device and/or game console.

SUMMARY

The present invention discloses a portable system (or “environment”) forallowing a gamer and other game console players to easily, safely andconveniently move a game console and its associated video and audiodevices from one location to another. The environment of the presentinvention provides an easily transportable, customized case design thathouses a game console and a video device in a manner that protects thisequipment while being moved and played.

One or more embodiments of the portable gaming and entertainmentenvironment generally comprise a portable case with an integrated highdefinition display & speakers designed for the mobile gamer to carrytheir gaming consoles, such as an Xbox 360®, Xbox 360 Slim®, or PlayStation 3 Slim®. On-board storage is also provided for carrying gamecontrollers, AC adaptors, cables for the game console, and severalgames. The portable case is designed to withstand minor incidentalimpacts during travel and complies with airline carry-on luggagerequirements.

In one embodiment, the transportable case includes a lower base portionthat allows for easy access to the front and rear features andaudio/video inputs of a game console and, as a result, does not restrictairflow to the game console. As can be appreciated, an appreciableamount of airflow is required to maintain an acceptable temperatureduring use. As such, the portable case allows for substantially fullaccess to both the front and rear portions of the game console withouthindering or damaging the game console, cabling or peripherals whileconnected during play. In this embodiment, the transportable case alsohouses one or more audio devices, game controllers, games or movies, andthe various wires and/or cables necessary to utilize the game consolefor playing games or watching movies. In this regard, the portablegaming and entertainment environment of the present invention allows theuser to play games or watch movies on his or her game console atvirtually any desired location including another room within a specificlocation with a minimum amount of onsite configuration and/or setuprequired.

In one embodiment, the environment is configured to allow the user toplay against the game console or to connect the game console to theInternet or to a network environment so he or she may communicate withand compete against other players on their own game consoleenvironments, whether the others are located in the same room or indifferent location from his or her specific location. In someembodiments, the portable gaming and entertainment environment comprisesone or more custom game console inserts operative to secure the gameconsole within the case. The case may also define various compartmentsfor storing and protecting a game console and components used with thegame console, a monitor, and one or more speakers.

The customized inserts for a base define a game console compartment or“stage.” The game console compartment has a custom support surface thatreceives and protects the game console during transportation. In one ormore embodiments, the support surface is a unique insert, designed tospecially fit the footprint of a supported game console. In someembodiments, the case also includes one or more removable containers forstoring wires, cables and other peripheral items (e.g., headphones,controllers, or the like).

A hinge at the back side of the case may be utilized to interconnect thebase and a lid and to pivot the lid relative to the base. The case maycomprise one or more handles for ease in transporting the case from onelocation to another. In some embodiments, the case includes a fixedhandle on one side. The case may also comprise a locking mechanism, suchas one or more case latches, for locking the case in its closedposition. The mounting mechanism may comprise an integrated loop latchpassing through the case latches.

The environment of the present invention provides a much safer andeasier means for a gamer to utilize a game console in a “community” ornetwork environment with friends and/or family who may be competingagainst him or her at a game. With the environment of the presentinvention, the gamers will not need to share a television or monitor orbe hindered by a single location to utilize a specific video device orby utilizing split screen technology, which results in small screensplaced side-by-side. Instead, with the environment described herein, thegamers will each have their own full screen monitor environment. Inaddition to gamers, the environment of the present invention will allowbusinesses to provide an all inclusive gaming and multimedia unit forentertaining customers, employees and others in an easy to store packagethat can be freely moved. If desired, the environment could be modifiedto include a keyboard and other computer functionality. If desired, theenvironment could also be utilized for non-gaming or entertainmentpurposes, such as a training environment to present media and/ormarketing.

Accordingly, an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention isto provide a portable gaming and entertainment environment that has theadvantages discussed above and which overcomes the disadvantages andlimitations associated with presently available environments fortransporting and playing games and/or movies on a game console orproviding a personal gaming and entertainment portable environment andthe like. It is also an aspect of some embodiments to offer a desirableviewing angle and access to all the inputs of a gaming console. It isalso an aspect of some embodiments to maximize game console port access,and allow substantial airflow around the game consoles. It is also anaspect of some embodiments to protect the game console vendor warrantyby using the game console's power cord and plugging the game consoledirectly into an electrical outlet and not an internal power sourceonboard the gaming and entertainment environment.

It is also an aspect of some embodiments to provide a portable gamingand entertainment environment that allows the user to play games orwatch movies on his or her game console at virtually any location with aminimum amount of onsite configuration and/or setup. It is also anaspect of some embodiments to provide a portable gaming andentertainment environment that is configured to allow the user toconnect the game console to the Internet or in a multi-consoleconfiguration to a network environment so he or she may compete againstother players utilizing their game console environment no matter wherethose players are located locally within the same location or globallyexternal to his or her location. It is also an aspect of someembodiments to provide a portable gaming and entertainment environmentthat generally comprises an easily transportable case which safely andconveniently houses a game console, video device (e.g., a monitor), oneor more audio devices, game controllers, one or more game or moviedisks, and the various gaming peripherals, wires and/or cables necessaryto utilize the game console for playing games or watching movies, all ina manner that protects these components while being transported, stored,and operated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable gaming and entertainmentenvironment when in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable gaming and entertainmentenvironment of FIG. 1 when in an opened position.

FIG. 3 illustrates the portable gaming and entertainment environment ofFIG. 1 being carried by a user.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the portable gaming andentertainment environment of FIG. 1 when in the opened position.

FIG. 5A is a right side elevational view of the portable gaming andentertainment environment of FIG. 1 when in the closed position.

FIG. 5B is a right side elevational view of the portable gaming andentertainment environment of FIG. 1 when in the opened position.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a latch of the portable gaming andentertainment environment of FIG. 1 when the latch is in a closedposition.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the latch of the portable gaming andentertainment environment of FIG. 1 when the latch is in an openedposition.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the portable gaming and entertainmentenvironment of FIG. 1 that illustrates a configuration for a gamecontainer.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the portable gaming and entertainmentenvironment of FIG. 1 that illustrates another configuration for a gamecontainer.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of custom inserts of the portable gamingand entertainment environment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a top surface of a reversible insertof the portable gaming and entertainment environment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a bottom surface of the reversibleinsert of the portable gaming and entertainment environment of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the figures where like elements have been given likenumerical designations to facilitate the reader's understanding,embodiments of the present invention are set forth below. The enclosedtext and drawings are merely illustrative of one the embodiments and, assuch, disclose one or more different ways of configuring the presentinvention. Although specific components, materials, configurations anduses are illustrated, it should be understood that a number ofvariations to the components and to the configuration of thosecomponents described herein and in the accompanying figures can be madewithout changing the scope and function of the invention set forthherein. For instance, although the figures and description providedherein show a certain game console and configurations for the componentsutilized with the game console, those skilled in the art will readilyunderstand that this is merely for purposes of simplifying the presentdisclosure and that the present invention is not so limited.

A portable gaming and entertainment environment (or system) 10 that isconfigured pursuant to one embodiment is shown in the figures. Theenvironment 10 generally comprises a game console 12 disposed inside acase 14 which also houses a video device 16 (e.g., a monitor) and one ormore audio devices 18 (e.g., speakers integrated with the monitor).

The case 14 comprises a lower section or base 20 which houses the gameconsole 12 and an upper section or lid 22 that houses the video device16 and audio devices 18. As set forth above, the game console 12 can beany one of various commercially available game consoles, includingMicrosoft's Xbox 360® and Xbox 360 Slim®, Sony's Play Station 3® andSlim Line®, and others. Although game consoles typically allow multipleplayers with split screens, most gamers and other players do notparticularly like playing with split screens due to the small viewavailable on the screens, visual/audio interference from the play ofother players, cheating that results from seeing other player's screens,and other issues. Presently, gamers are usually hindered in gettingtogether in a single room or like environment to play against each otherwith their own video and audio devices due to the difficulty andimpracticability of transporting all of the required components to themeeting place and concerns with damaging one or more of the components,particularly the video device (e.g., a TV, monitor or the like).

In addition, it is also known that it is generally impractical to havesufficient game playing resources (e.g., TVs, monitors, speakers, andthe like) available at the meeting place so the gamers do not have totransport their own components. As set forth in more detail below, theenvironment 10 allows gamers and others to easily, safely andconveniently transport their game console, monitor, speakers and othercomponents to any location, including a meeting place where they canplay against the game console or other gamers by using the online ornetwork gaming capabilities of the game console. In addition, theenvironment 10 allows a user to transport the game console 12 andrelated components to any location where he or she may want to playgames and/or watch movies, with or without joining others.

As shown in FIG. 2, the lid 22 of the case 14 is hingedly connected tothe base 20 by a hinge 24, and the design and placement of the hinge issuch that a user may move the case 14 between a closed position (asshown in FIG. 1) and an opened position (as shown in FIG. 2) withoutcausing the case to tip due to uneven distribution of weight, with orwithout a game console installed within the case. The viewing angle ofthe case lid 22 (and therefore the video device 16) offers a desirableviewing angle during use. For example, the viewing angle may be greaterthan 90 degrees, preferably between 100 degrees and 110 degres (e.g.,105 degrees), measured relative to a horizontal surface on which thebase 20 rests (see FIG. 5B). The positioning of the hinge 24 isdescribed below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the base 20 of the case 14 has a front 28 comprisinga left portion 28A, a center portion 28B, and a right portion 28C. Thecenter portion 28B is substantially lower in height than the leftportion 28A and the right portion 28C. The base 20 also includes a back29 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) comprising a left portion 29A, a center portion29B, and a right portion 29C. Further, the base 20 comprises a first orleft end 26 (see FIG. 2), a second or right end 27, and a bottom 25 (seeFIG. 4). Similarly, the lid 22 of the case 14 has a front 33 comprisinga left portion 33A, a center portion 33B, and a right portion 33C. Thelid 22 also includes a back 34 comprising a left portion 34A, a centerportion 34B, and a right portion 34C. Further, the lid 22 comprises afirst or left end 31 (see FIG. 2), a second or right end 32, and a top30 (see FIG. 1).

When in the closed position shown in FIG. 1, the base 20 and the lid 22of the case 14 define an inner chamber in which may be disposed the gameconsole 12, display device 16, audio devices 18, and other componentsnecessary or desired to play games or to watch movies with the gameconsole so that these components may be easily, safely and convenientlymoved from one location to another. The case 14 may be secured in theclosed position by any suitable locking means which may comprise one ormore latches, such as the pair of latches 94 shown best in FIG. 6A(closed position) and FIG. 6B (opened position). The latch 94 comprisesan aperture 96 sized to permit a staple or ring 95 coupled to the lid 22to pass therethrough when the latch is in the closed position. As can beappreciated, a user may attach a lock (e.g., a padlock) to the ring 95to selectively lock the case in the closed position. The locking meansgenerally should be of the type that securely locks the lid 22 and base20 together so the user will not have to be concerned with accidentalopening of the case 14 during movement thereof.

As will be appreciated, the case 14 may be made out of a wide variety ofmaterials, including aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber or other metals,various plastic or composite materials, and other “soft materials,”which are commonly used for cases. In some embodiments, the case 14 ismade out of a relatively sturdy material that is selected for itsdurability, toughness and being of a reasonable weight so the case canprotect the game console 12, video device 16, audio devices 18, andother components inside the case and, preferably, results in aenvironment 10 that does not weigh so much that it is difficult for aperson to move.

The interior of the case 14 may have a plurality of compartments and/ormounting apparatuses that receive and secure the game console 12, videodevice 18, audio devices 16 and other components that are utilized withthe game console. As best shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 9, the case 14includes an upper custom insert 46 that defines a first consolecompartment (or “stage”) 47 with a recess and a lower custom insert 48that defines a second console compartment or stage 49 with a recess. Thecustom inserts 46 and 48 may be removably attachable to the case 14. Thesecond console compartment 49 of the lower custom insert 48, with theupper custom insert 46 removed, is sized to snuggly receive a gameconsole having a first size or “footprint” (e.g., an XBOX 360). As shownbest in FIG. 9, the upper custom insert 46 includes a lower portion 45that is sized to be snuggly received within the recess of the secondconsole compartment 49 such that the upper custom insert 46 is stackableon top of the lower custom insert 48. The first console compartment 47of the upper custom insert 46 is sized to snuggly receive a game consolehaving a second size or “footprint” different than the first size (e.g.,an XBOX 360 Slim and PS3 Slim Line with a smaller footprint than an XBOX360). In this regard, a user may use one or both custom inserts 46 and48 depending on the type of game console that is to be used with theenvironment 10. It should be appreciated that other removable or fixedcustom inserts may also be provided (or purchased separately) toaccommodate a variety of game consoles. For example, another embodimentfor a custom insert is shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B and describedhereinbelow.

In some embodiments of the environment 10, the game console 12 isremovably received in the upper or lower console compartments 47 and 49so the user thereof can take it out of the case 14 and attach it to astandard (e.g., generally non-movable) television, display, or othervideo device at his or her home or other location for playing games orwatching movies using the game console.

Advantageously, the console compartments 47 and 49 have a shallow depthrelative to the game console 12, such that the compartments do notsurround or “cover” any appreciable portion of the sides of the gameconsole when located therein. This design provides a sufficient amountof air circulation to satisfy the “breathing” requirements of the gameconsole, which prevents overheating. Further, the design allows for fullaccess to inputs of the game console 12, such as various cable ports,power ports, and game disk receiving ports.

The design of the base 20 provides the advantages of access to the gameconsole 12 and sufficient airflow. As may best be viewed in FIGS. 2 and4, the center portions 28B and 34B of the front 28 and back 34,respectively, of the base 20 have a relatively low height, less than onehalf the overall height of the case when in the closed position ofFIG. 1. This is in contrast to a case that has a base having a frontthat is substantially one half the overall height of the case. Thisfeature provides the user with access to a front face 62 and a rear face63 of the game console 12. Further, this feature permits air to flowfreely near the front face 62 and the rear face 63 of the game console12.

The environment 10 may include one or more game console securing means,such as the two straps 64 shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 7, and 8, that areutilized to secure the game console 12 to the custom insert 46 (or thecustom insert 48 if the custom insert 46 is not used) and the base 20 tobetter protect the game console during movement of case 14. The straps64 or other securing means may be configured to aid, in conjunction withthe custom inserts 46 and 48, in buffering shock to the game console 12in the event the case 14 is dropped or similarly jarred.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the straps 64 may be secured to the base 20 bythreading each of the straps through rigid loops 37 fixedly attached tothe bottom 25 of the base 20. The straps 64 may each include arectangular ring 66 on one end which allows the straps to be passedunder the bottom of the inserts 46 and 48 (from right to left in theview of FIG. 4), back over the top of the game console 12 (left toright), threaded through the ring 66, and folded back onto themselvesand therby secured using loop fasteners 65 positioned on the straps 64that are configured to removably couple with corresponding hookfasteners (not shown) on the end portions of the straps 64.

In some embodiments, the video device 16 (and audio devices 18) may befixedly or removably mounted to the lid 22 of the case 14 by suitablemounting means (not shown) configured to securely and safely mount thevideo device and audio devices. As can be appreciated, various sizes andtypes of monitors can be utilized as the video device 16 of theenvironment 10. As an example, monitors having a diagonal size of 15.5inches, 17 inches, 19 inches, or the like, may be utilized, dependent onthe particular design. In conjunction with the video device 16, a thinclear panel may be fixedly or removably mounted in a manner to protectdisplay face of the video device 16 from standard impacts thereto.Preferably, the video device 16 is selected to provide HDTV or likevideo for the games and/or movies and audio signals from the gameconsole 12. The mounting means may be configured to allow a user toremove the video device 16 from the lid 22 so that he or she mayreplace, repair or upgrade the video device 16 as desired or necessary.

In some embodiments, the hinge 24 (see FIG. 2) may be of the type thatallows the user to selectively adjust the viewing angle of the videodevice 16 by fixedly adjusting the angle of the lid 22. In this regard,the hinge 24 may be designed to have sufficient resistance to hold theweight of the lid 22 at a desired angle (e.g., similar to laptopcomputers, and the like).

The environment 10 may also include removable containers 76 that areconfigured to store cables, controllers and other gaming related objectswhich are utilized with the game console 12. To removably secure theremovable containers 76 to the bottom 25 of the base 20, hook and loopfasteners 78 and 79 may be fixedly coupled to the containers 76 and tothe bottom 25, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, a game container 80 may also be provided thatis configured to receive and store one or more game disks. In thisembodiment, the game container 80 is configured to be removably coupledto the straps 64 at a position whereat the game container 80 does notcover vents 13 of the game console 12, so that the airflow of the gameconsole is not restricted. As shown in FIG. 7, the game container 80includes bottom surface 83 opposite a top surface 85 (see FIG. 2) thatincludes two strap securing portions 81 that each form a loop oraperture sized to permit one of the straps 64 to freely passtherethrough. Thus, a user may simply pass each of the straps 64 througha corresponding one of the strap securing portions 81 to secure the gamecontainer 80 to the case 14.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment for the game container 80 and thestraps 64. In this embodiment, the straps 64 include hook fastenersportions 67 in addition to the loop fasteners portions 65. The bottomsurface 82 of the game container 80 includes loop fasteners portions 82that are configured to be removably coupled to the corresponding hookfasteners portions 67 of the straps 64. Advantageously, the positioningof the hook fasteners portions 67 and the loop fasteners portions 65 ofthe straps 64 is such that the game container 80 may be removablycoupled to the straps 64 only at a position above the game console 12whereat the game container 80 does not cover the vent 13 of the gameconsole. It should be appreciated that the hook fasteners portions andthe loop fasteners portions of the game container 80 and the straps 64may be reversed and still provide the same desirable function ofpreventing a user from attaching the game container to the straps at aposition over the vent 13.

As shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments the straps 64 may be configuredto include an aperture or pocket 68 sized to receive a remote control69. The remote control 69 may be operative to control the operation ofthe video device 16, audio devices 18, and/or the game console 12.Although the pocket 68 is shown, it will be appreciated that othersuitable mechanisms for removably fastening a remote control to anyportion of the straps 64 or other portion of the case 14 may be used.

Operation of the video device 16 (and the audio devices 18) arecontrolled by an audio/video (A/V) panel 84 that contains a variety ofaudio, visual, and power ports that can be utilized with the gameconsole 12 in the case 14. For instance, the A/V panel 84 can compriseone or more headphone jacks that are utilized by the gamer while playinga game or movie on the game console 12 to avoid noise for persons aroundhim or her who are not playing or to prevent the game play audio fromother gamers from interfering with his or her play. The A/V panel 84 mayalso include a power port configured to receive power from an AC adapterto provide power to the video device 16. The A/V panel 84 also includesan A/V port (e.g., an HDMI port) to receive an HDMI cable 13 of the gameconsole 12. The A/V panel 84 may also include component ports and otherA/V formats that can be utilized to connect the game console 12 andother peripheral devices to the video device 16. A wide variety of portsor connection devices may be utilized with the A/V panel 84 to provideincreased functionality for the environment 10. In addition to thevarious ports, the A/V panel 84 may also include an interface to adjustvarious properties of the video device 16 and audio devices 18 connectedthereto, such as contrast, brightness, volume, menu options, and thelike.

As may best be viewed in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the case 14 is configured suchthat the lid 22 may be moved from the closed position (see FIG. 5A) tothe opened position (see FIG. 5B), wherein a contact portion 35 of thelid 22 rests on a surface 100 (e.g., a table) upon which the base 20 ispositioned at a contact point 102 of the surface. A shown in FIGS. 2 and5A, the hinge 24 is coupled to the center portion 29B of the base 20 andto the center portion 34B of the lid 22. Each of the center portions 29Band 34B are sized so that the hinge 24 has a relatively low height(H_(HINGE)) compared to the overall height of the case 14 (H_(CASE)), asindicated in FIG. 5A. This is in contrast to a case that might have abase and a lid with similarly sized hinge attachment portions whichwould position the hinge at about half the height of the case. Thepositioning of the hinge 24 permits the lid 22 (and the video device 16)to be fixed at an angle which provides a user with a desirable viewingangle of the video device 16. For example, the viewing angle may begreater than 90 degrees, preferably between 100 degrees and 110 degres(e.g., 105 degrees), or the like. Further, the positioning of the hinge24 provides a relatively balanced weight distribution for the case 14when in the opened position, so that the case 14 will not tip overrearwardly regardless of whether the game console 12 or other componentsare positioned inside the base 20. To further protect the case 14 fromtipping over, the hinge 24 includes a stop that prevents the lid 22 fromover-rotating past a predetermined angle. For example, the stop of thehinge 24 may prevent the lid 22 from rotating more than theaforementioned desired viewing angle.

In various environments, the case 14 may include a variety of handles,wheels and latches that improve the transportability thereof. Forexample, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the case 14 has a fixedhandle 88 disposed on the center portion 33B of the front 33 of the lid22. The fixed handle 88 is shown during use in FIG. 3, and may be of thetype that is commonly utilized with briefcases, luggage and othercarrying devices that facilitate the user holding and transporting thecase 14 with a single hand. The fixed handle 88 is generally configuredto allow the user to move case when in its closed position.

In various embodiments, the video device 16 may be pivotally attached tothe lid 22 of the case 14 utilizing a pivoting mounting bracket (notshown) coupled to the top 30 of the lid 22. The mounting bracket may beconfigured to allow the user to tilt the video device 16 as necessary toobtain the best or preferred viewing angle when case 14 is in its openposition, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5B, and to lower the video device 16down towards the game console 12 to place the case 14 in its closedposition, shown in FIG. 1.

Various modifications can be made to the environment 10 of the presentinvention. For instance, the various game console compartments 47 and 49defined by the custom inserts 46 and 48, respectively, inside the case14 can be modified to be different sizes and shapes than those shown inthe figures. In this regard, the console compartments 47 and 49 may beconfigured to receive and protect different sizes and configurations ofgame consoles. In some embodiments, the console compartments 47 and 49are adjustable in size to fit different models of game consoles so thata single model of the case 14 can fit a variety of game consoles 12.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate perspective views a reversible custominsert 110. FIG. 10A shows the reversible custom insert 110 when a firstor top surface 112 is facing upward, and FIG. 10B shows the reversiblecustom insert when a second or bottom surface 114, opposite the topsurface, is facing upward. The reversible custom insert 110 isconfigured to be received within the base 20 of the case 14, similar tothe custom insert 48 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 and described hereinabove.The reversible custom insert 110 may be insertable within the base 20 byitself, or may be stackable with another insert as described with regardto the custom inserts 46 and 48.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the reversible custom insert 110 includes a firstframe 116 protruding upwardly from the top surface 112. The first frame116 includes four sides 116A, 116B, 116C, and 116D surrounding a hollowinterior 115 that form a first recess or “stage” shaped and sized tosnuggly receive a bottom portion of a first game console having a firstsize or “footprint” (e.g., an XBOX 360). As shown in FIG. 10B, thereversible custom insert 110 also includes a second frame 120 protrudingupwardly from the bottom surface 114. The second frame 120 includes foursides 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D surrounding the hollow interior 115that form a second stage shaped and sized to snuggly receive a bottomportion of a game console having a second size or “footprint” differentthan the first size (e.g., an XBOX 360 Slim and PS3 Slim Line with asmaller footprint than an XBOX 360). In this regard, a user may utilizethe reversible insert 110 with either the first surface 112 facingupward or the second surface 114 facing upward, depending on the type ofgame console that is to be used with the environment 10. Advantageously,this embodiment permits multiple types of game consoles to beaccommodated using the single reversible custom insert 110.

If desired, the audio devices 18 can be located in the base 20 insteadof or in addition to being located in the lid 22 and integrated into thevideo device 16. If located in the base 20, the audio devices 18 can bepivotally mounted therein so the user can tilt them forward toward himor her when playing a game or movie on the game console 12 to betterdirect the sound to him or her. The base 20 and the lid 22 may haveaccess doors or ports that allow the user to access various portions ofthe case 14, such as the bottom 25 of base 20 below game console 12and/or the top 30 of the lid 22 behind the video device 16 and audiodevices 18, as may be necessary for or desired by the user ofenvironment 10.

If the game console 12 does not have Wi-Fi or other Internet ornetworking capability, the necessary equipment to connect to theInternet or other networks may be included in the case 14 so the usercan access the Internet or join others on a network for competitiveplay.

In use, the case 14 will typically be supplied to the user without thegame console 12 so that he or she may utilize his or her own gameconsole 12 and upgrade or replace it as desired. The case 14 can besupplied with the video device 16 and/or the audio devices 18 alreadyinstalled or the user can also supply these components.

When the user desires to move his or her game console 12 to a differentlocation for single or group play, he or she places the game console inthe console compartment 47 of the custom insert 46 (or the consolecompartment 49 of the custom insert 48 if the custom insert 46 is notused) with the console face 62 facing toward the front 28 of the base20, and secures the game console to the base 20 with the straps 64and/or other securing means. The controllers and various wires/cablesmay be placed in the removable containers 76 and the games disks, whichmay be Game Disks, CDs, DVDs, Blue Ray or the like having a game ormovie thereon, may be placed in the game container 80.

Once loaded, the user may pivot the lid 22 downward against the base 20and engage the locking means, such as latches 94, to lock the case 14 inits closed position. The user then can move the case 14, having all ofthe components therein, by using the fixed handle 88 or the like tocarry the case. When the user gets to his or her desired location, he orshe only has to disengage the latches 94, fold up the lid 22 to theresting position (see FIG. 5B) or to the desired viewing angle to viewvideo device 16, attach a power cord to a power port of the A/V panel 84(if not already connected), plug the power cord into an outlet, connectthe controllers and any other necessary wires/cables for the gameconsole, and turn on all the powered components such as the game consoleand video device. The user will then have his or her own game console,video device and audio speakers to play the game or watch a movie orlisten to music without requiring any additional equipment.

Various embodiments of the invention are described above in the detaileddescription. While these descriptions directly describe the aboveembodiments, it is understood that those skilled in the art may conceivemodifications and/or variations to the specific embodiments shown anddescribed herein. Any such modifications or variations that fall withinthe purview of this description are intended to be included therein aswell. Unless specifically noted, it is the intention of the inventorthat the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given theordinary and accustomed meanings to those of ordinary skill in theapplicable art(s).

The foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention knownto the applicant at the time of filing the application has beenpresented and is intended for the purposes of illustration anddescription. The present description is not intended to be exhaustivenor limit the invention to the precise form disclosed and manymodifications and variations are possible in the light of the aboveteachings. The embodiments described serve to explain the principles ofthe invention and its practical application and to enable others skilledin the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and withvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to theparticular embodiments disclosed for carrying out the invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that,based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be madewithout departing from this invention and its broader aspects and,therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope allsuch changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scopeof this invention. It will be understood by those within the art that,in general, terms used herein are generally intended as “open” terms(e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but notlimited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having atleast,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but isnot limited to,” etc.).

The invention claimed is:
 1. A portable gaming and entertainment systemcomprising: a base comprising a first plurality of side surfaces and abottom surface, a first side surface including a recessed portion; a lidcomprising a second plurality of side surfaces and a top surface, asecond side surface including a projecting portion; a hinge mechanismrotatably coupling the recessed portion to the projection portion suchthat the first plurality of side surfaces abut the second plurality ofside surfaces in a closed configuration, and such that the base and thelid are separated by an angular displacement in an open configuration; aconsole recess within the base configured to secure a game console tothe base; a display device coupled to an inside of the top surface ofthe lid; and a video communication channel configured to couple thedisplay device to the game console.
 2. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a first insert removably coupled within the console recessand configured to removably receive a lower portion of the game console,the console recess configured to provide access to console ports on afront face and a rear face of the game console.
 3. The system of claim1, wherein a first side surface of the base includes a first leftportion, a first right portion, and a first center portion, the firstcenter portion being lower in height than the first left portion and thefirst right portion.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein a second sidesurface of the base includes a second left portion, a second rightportion, and a second center portion, the second center portion beinglower in height than the second left portion and the second rightportion.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising an audio/videopanel coupled to the inside of the top surface of the lid and includingone or more audio or video input ports configured for coupling with oneor more audio or video output ports of the game console.
 6. The systemof claim 1, wherein the hinge mechanism, when configured in the openconfiguration, is configured to support the lid at an angle greater than90 degrees relative to a horizontal plane for viewing of the displaydevice.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the display device is at leastpartially spaced apart from the back side of the base along a horizontalplane when the lid is in the opened position and tilted rearward at anangle equal to greater than 90 degrees relative to the horizontal plane.8. The system of claim 1, wherein the display device is separated fromthe inside of the top surface of the lid by a threshold displacement. 9.The system of claim 1, further comprising a handle coupled to the systemand configured to allow a user to carry the system when the lid is inthe closed position.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising aspeaker configured to couple with the game console.
 11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the speaker is coupled to the inside of the topsurface of the lid.
 12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a lockfor selectively locking the lid in the closed configuration.
 13. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a first adjustable strap and asecond adjustable strap coupled to the base, the first adjustable strapand the second adjustable strap each including hook and loop fastenersto selectively secure the game console to the base.
 14. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the display device includes an integrated audio outputdevice.
 15. A portable gaming and entertainment system case comprising:a base comprising a first plurality of side surfaces and a bottomsurface, a first side surface including a recessed portion; a lidcomprising a second plurality of side surfaces and a top surface, asecond side surface including a projecting portion; a hinge mechanismrotatably coupling the recessed portion to the projection portion suchthat the first plurality of side surfaces abut the second plurality ofside surfaces in a closed configuration, and such that the base and thelid are separated by an angular displacement in an open configuration;and a console recess within the base configured to secure a game consoleto the base.
 16. The case of claim 15, further comprising: a firstinsert removably coupled within the console recess and configured toremovably receive a lower portion of the game console, the consolerecess configured to provide access to console ports on a front face anda rear face of the game console.
 17. The case of claim 15, wherein afirst side surface of the base includes a first left portion, a firstright portion, and a first center portion, the first center portionbeing lower in height than the first left portion and the first rightportion.
 18. The case of claim 17, wherein a second side surface of thebase includes a second left portion, a second right portion, and asecond center portion, the second center portion being lower in heightthan the second left portion and the second right portion.
 19. The caseof claim 15, further comprising a handle coupled to the case andconfigured to allow a user to carry the system when the lid is in theclosed position.
 20. The case of claim 15, further comprising a lock forselectively locking the lid in the closed configuration.